Is it possible, Madame, that you should ask me seriously, if Adelaide is present, when I receive my evening visitors? Can you figure to yourself my little Adelaide, seated sorrowfully on the edge of her chair, in the midst of a circle, listening to a very unconnected and frivolous conversation, and making all the little customary compliments? – No, no, Madame, Adelaide is charming child, but she is still but a child; and she will not see the world, till she is of an age to see with her own eyes, and judge for herself. I have a new anecdote, which will serve to add to the collection you make of ‘the trials Adelaide has sustained.’ This course of artificial experience will not end these two years. When Adelaide is above fourteen events will naturally arise, and I shall be no longer compelled ‘to create them.’

But let us return to the trial of the day before yesterday. – You must know that for these last four months she has received two guineas a month by way of pocket money; out of which she is obliged to find herself in pins, powder, pomatum, shoes, gloves, and writing paper. The first month the whole sum was wasted in three days in superfluities; and she was forced to wear ragged shoes and dirty gloves. She felt the necessity of order and œconomy. She keeps her accounts exact, and has already learned to suit her expences to her income. Adelaide came into my closet yesterday noon, just as I was going to a cabinet-maker's to buy some furniture I was in want of; she intreated me to let her go with me. I have, says she, some money remaining of my monthly allowance, and I wish to buy a little table. – I consent, replied I, and the more readily, as I wish you to begin to know the price of those things you must one day purchase; which cannot be learnt but by going sometimes to the shops. We set out, and went into a very fine shop. She inquired for tables, and they shewed her a charming one, in which was inclosed an inkhorn and desk; but unfortunately it came to twenty-seven shillings, and she had but twelve.